Overview. An early mature Zelkvo sinica avenue sits either side of Hartslock Bridleway, Whitchurch on Thames. The avenue is a likely succession plant from Dutch Elm disease which virtually diminished the entire national of Stock of Ulmus spp .The trees are planted at 5.00metre centres with "drawn" and "slender" form competing for light. Pollarding works have been carried out for unknown reasons historically resulting in multi stems as opposed to a singular apical leader. Condition going forward. Traditional avenue design is more successful at 11-15 metres for Broadleaved medium to large oval canopied trees. This spacing provides ample phototropism and subsequent physiological light levels for a balanced canopy to form that will in theory provide opportunity for a healthy biomechanical development. Current canopy form "leggy and drawn" has caused the "Axium of unform stress" (Mattheck) to lack long term self-optimisation. Efficient phototropism is compromised with excessive deadwood formation in lower region's and weaker slender form. Canopy form is compromised currently beyond self-optimisation. Zelcova species are of a broad oval dense form, not unsimilar to Carpinus betulus. This is mentioned as both species rarely successfully grow in tight proximity where other woodland broadleaves might. Conclusions and the long-term success of the Zelkova avenue. Due to early mature status and potential projected lifespan (90 years +) long term beneficial management considerations should be considered. Often overlooked is the projected condition of trees without intervention. Recommended works . Addressing the future physiological and structural condition of the avenue, thinning is recommended to give approximately 11.metre centres in line with recognised historic avenue best practice. This would involve the removal of every other tree. North east avenue (G1) has 57x trees. Thin avenue by removing 28x Zelkova trees only. South west avenue (G2) has 26x trees. Thin avenue by removing 12x Zelkova trees only. Pictures below enclosed.

Hartslock Farm, Hartslock Bridleway, Whitchurch On Thames, RG8 7QX